Method for reducing water loss through soil by seepage

ABSTRACT

A composition for reducing the loss of liquids by seepage through permeable ground surfaces is shown. The composition desirably comprises an aqueous emulsion of asphalt including a combination of cationic emulsifiers, a nonionic surface active agent and preferably a minor proportion of elastomer solids. The compositions are adapted for spray application on natural and man-made beds of rivers, ponds and other water impoundment and transfer structures. The stability of the emulsion is controlled so that penetration of the soil is achieved and a flexible water impervious mass is obtained.

United States Patent 91 Califano et al.

[451 Aug. 27, 1974 METHOD FOR REDUCING WATER LOSS THROUGH SOIEBY SEEPAGE [73] Assignee: The Flintkote Company, White Plains, NY.

[22] Filed: Oct. 10, 1972 [21] APPl. No.: 296,114

[52] US. Cl 61/1 R, 106/277, 260/29.6, 6l/36 R [51] Int. Cl E02b 5/02, EO2b 3/04 [58] Field of Search 6l/l R, 36 R; 260/296; 106/277 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS v 3,236,671 2/1966 Dybalski et al. 61/36 R 3,359,738 12/]967 Dybalski et al. 61/1 R 3,649,574 3/1972 Cole 61/36 R 3, 650,l l3

3/1972 Ferm 61/36 R Primary Examiner Robert R. Mackey v Assistant Examiner-Alexander Grosz x lttor ney, Agent, or F irm-Curtis, MORE 21 Safford;

Barry Evans [57 7 ABSTRACT A composition for reducing the loss of liquids by seepage through permeable ground surfaces is shown. The

composition desirably comprises an aqueous emulsion of asphalt including a combination of cationic emulsifiers, a nonionic surface active agent and preferably a 7 minor proportion of elastomer solids. The compositions are adapted for spray application on natural and man-made beds of rivers, ponds and other water impoundment and transfer structures. The stability of the emulsion is controlled so that penetration of the soil is achieved and a flexible water impervious mass is obtained.

6 Claims, No Drawings METHOD FOR REDUCING WATER LOSS THROUGH SOIL BY SEEPAGE This invention relates broadly to a composition and to a method for reducing the loss of aqueous liquids through permeable ground surfaces. More specifically, this invention relates to a method for reducing seepage loss of water from ponds, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, canals and other similar bodies. Even more specifically, this invention relates to a composition having the properties of a binder such that when applied by the method of this invention to ground soils or sands or rocky strata, a strong, water impermeable and flexible mass is formed.

In many areas, water is a raw material of very considerable value. Particularly in areas having little rainfall and no access to a ready supply of water. it is imperative to transport and to store water for agricultural and human consumption, without incurring a substantial loss by seepage'through soils. In arid areas such as the West and Southwest areas of this country, where soils tend to be sandy and of a very porous and permeable nature, as much as 50 percent or more of available water supplies may be lost due to seepage through the base surfaces of irrigation ditches, impoundment reservoirs, canals and the like.

Several methods have been developed in the art for impermeabilizing and consolidating ground soils and naturally occurring and synthetically produced porous surfaces such as gravel layers, concrete underlayments, sand and earth masses and other like surfaces encountered in water transfer and impoundment locations. Although prior art methods have met with some success, many problems have been encountered.

One prior art method includes coating the ground surface with gunnite or similar material which is sprayed over a steel mesh and poured in a form positioned in the impoundment area. Although relatively effective from the standpoint of reduction of seepage loss, this technique is very expensive in that it requires substantial construction facilities and labor to impermeabilize a given areaofground surface. Another disadvantage of gunnite surfaces is thatthey are difficult to repair and where damage occursdue toearth movements, erosion or other mechanical shock, it is necessary to make extensive repairs or rebuild entire areas of the surface.

Another method used to waterproof ground surfaces involves positioning a sheet of a vinyl polymeric material over the surface to be 'waterproofed. This technique has several disadvantages, most notably that it is expensive to acquire and position the vinyl sheet and holes develop in the sheet due to movement of the ground and by penetration of therocks locatedtherein. The vinyl sheets can be repaired with difficulty especially where holes are involved. The initial and maintenance cost of vinyl sheets are therefore high.

A further technique used by workers to seal ground surfaces in water containment structures includes laying down a pavement of asphalt or other similar waterproofing material. This is an effective procedure, however, it is an expensive one. The areas to be waterproofed must be relatively large and have relatively shallow slopes to insure the proper placement of the materiaL'Another related technique which is also relatively expensive, but is-effective to reduce water seepage includes lining the irrigation canal or impoundment area with concrete. The major disadvantages encountered, in addition to the expense, are that the concrete tends to crack and site preparation and repairs entail considerable effort. Other techniques include an application of clay or plastic materials applied to the soils to form a relatively water impervious overlayer. These techniques are relatively inexpensive, but are imperfect because cracks and fissures are easily formed, and depending on water movement have a tendency to part from the soil.

One of the more recent, effective methods is that disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,236,671 to Dybalski et al. In this technique, an aqueous, cationic bituminous emulsion is introduced to water contained in an impoundment or transfer structure and is permitted to settle to the bottom thereof, forming a continuous film adsorbed on the soil or sand particles on the sides and bed of the containment structure. This procedure has the merit of easy application to an existing system and it has the further advantage that the emulsion migrates to and deposits at locations where cracks, holes or fissures have developed. The major disadvantage is that very little if any penetration of the soil is obtained thereby creating a film which is essentially a surface one which is easily damaged or ruptured. In this method, there is no way of accurately calculating the amount of material needed to seal the bottom. Unless an accurate determination of the depth of fissures, cracks, etc., is available, the amount to be applied to the water surface with the assurance that all the ground surfaces are covered cannot be predicted.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide a composition for and a method for applying that compo? sition to natural and man-made ground surfaces in water containment and transfer systems to impermeabilize them.

It .is a related object of this invention to provide a composition and method for applying that composition which can be used, as a binder to waterproof different kinds of ground surfaces containing particles of varying sizes and of different compositions.

It is a further and important object of this invention to provide acomposition which penetrates and combines with the ground surface to a significant degree to form a tough, flexible and water impervious mass. ltis still a further and equally important object of the present invention to provide a composition which is easily applied to a .variety of natural terrains and which does not require a substantial labor force or extensive complex application equipment 'as do concrete, gunnite, brick lined beds, clay layers, etc. as have been used in the prior art.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a sealant for impermeabilizing porous ground soils which is long lasting and flexible to conform to movements of ground soils and which is resistant to anima andhuman traffic.

' It is a related and further object of this invention to provide a method for waterproofing ground surfaces which have steep slopes without requiring grading, site preparation or other preparatory operations.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a composition which can be repaired and reinforced simply and inexpensively by reapplication of a composition over the first waterproofed layer or over any sediment or silt which forms thereover. The secondary application should combine with the initial application or loose soil to form an integral mass.

it is yet a further object of this invention to provide a composition which sets relatively quickly and which is not toxic to plant, animal or human life.

These and other objects of this invention are achieved by means of a composition which acts as a binder and penetrates and binds together the particles in permeable ground sand and soils so as to form a tough, flexible waterproofing mass. The composition, in its broadest embodiment, comprises an aqueous emulsion of a water insoluble and water dispersible bituminous material in which the bituminous material comprises from 25 to 50 percent by weight of the emulsion. The bituminous material is present in the emulsion in particles at least 90 percent of which have a size of less than about microns and'is kept in stable cationic emulsion by means of a combination of cationic emulsifiers comprising from approximately 0.3 percent to 1.2 percent by weight of the emulsion. The properties of the emulsion particularly'its break characteristics are desirably modified and tailored for the purposes of this invention by inclusion of from 0.1 to 1.5 percent of the emulsion of a nonionic surface active agent. The overall composition additionally contains an acid in an amount sufficient to control the pH of the composition in the range of approximately 3 to 7.

The compositions of the invention are easily applied by spraying onto a ground surface and as described more fully hereinbelow. the composition penetrates the ground surface to a depth of as much as 4 inches or more and forms a binder which binds and consolidates into a mass the particles which comprise the ground surface. it has been found that the compositions of the invention can be applied directly to dry soils and that the waterproofing composition which is deposited forms a tough, permanent and flexible structure on steep terrain as well as flat terrain and reduces water seepage by 95 percent or more. The compositions have been found to set in as little as four hours. y

In order to achieve the penetration of a substantial depth of the soil or sand in the bed and at the sides of a natural or man-made body of water, it is necessary to carefully control the break" of the cationic emulsions in the presence of the siliceous ground material whose particles are known to have negatively-charged surface characteristics. As is well known in the. art of cationic bituminous emulsions, the dispersed particles of bitumen are suspended in the water by means of cationic emulsifying agents. The non-polar portion of the organic cation is readily solubilized in the particle of bitumen whereasthe polar end thereof extends into the aqueous medium. The uniformity of orientation of the cationic emulsifier within the particles of bitumen creates a'uniform suspension. When these particles come into contact with solid mineral surfaces, which are negatively charged, the forces of attraction contribute to a strong adsorption of the particles of bitumen on the mineral surfaces and thus lead to adhesion of bitumen and soil particles. In order to avoid a breakdown of the emulsion at the moment of contact with solid surfaces, it is important to include a mixture of cationic emulsifiers having different properties. A still further adjustment to the stability of the emulsion may be achieved by adding to it a quantity of a nonionic surface active agent. The surface active agent wets the particles of sand or soil and reduces the reactivity of them with the emulsion. The nonionic surface active agent can be deemed a coemulsifier and it performs the dual functions of wetting and activating the surfaces of the solids and modifying and suppressing the breakpoint of the cationic emulsions.

The cationic emulsifiers which are useful in the present invention may be those which are known in the art as being effective for forming stable, oil-in-water emulsions of bituminous compounds. The preferred basic emulsifiers, which may be used by themselves, although not with best results, are aliphatic amine compounds and more specifically,-aliphatic diamine compounds. These compounds are typically employed in the form of a water soluble salt which is obtained by reacting the diamine with a suitable inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid. Preferred basic emulsifiers are selected from the group consisting of N-alkyl polymethylene diamines of the formula DnH R-N- (CHINE where n is from 1 to 2 and R represents an aliphatic hy- I drocarbon containing from eight to 22 carbon atoms. An emulsification aid which has been found to have suitable properties is a tallow trimethylol ammonium chloride sold under the trademark ARQUAD 8-50 by the Armour Chemical Co. The quaternary ammonium compounds, like the diamines are typically used in their salt forms.

Other compounds which may be useful to control the break stability of the emulsions are the N-alkyl polymethylene monoand poly-alkoxylated diamineswhere w is an integer of from 2 to 4, x, y, and z are integers of from 0 to 20 and the total of x, y, and z does not exceed 20.

When applying both a basic emulsifier and emulsification aid-break suppressant, it has been found that best results are obtained if the total amount of emulsifier is between 0.3 percent and 1.2 percent by weight of the emulsion. The ratio of the basic emulsifier to the emulsification aid may be in the range of from l:2 to

The non-ionic surface active agent performs a relatively complex function which is not entirely understood. One of its functions particularly where the soil or sand is dry, is to wet the surface of the solid particles and activate the ions inherent therein. A second function is to modify and suppress the break point'of the cationic emulsion by regulating the reactivity of the bituminous emulsion-siliceous solid reaction system which is obtained when the composition is sprayed on a ground surface'A number of different nonionic surface active agents can be used, however, the preferred species are those selected from the group consisting of alkyl aryl polyether alcohols, polyethoxylated nonylphenols (average ethylene oxide content of 4-12 mols per mol of nonylphenol) benzyl ethers of octyl phenol and linear organic alcohols. Suitable commercial products are TRITON CF-lO, a benzyl ether of octylphenolethylene oxide adduct, manufactured by Rohm and Haas Co.-, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, *NOP- COWET 160, a nonionic, alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, manufactured by Nopco Chemical Division, Diamond Shamrock Chemical Company, Newark, N.J., and HY- ONlC PE90 a polyethoxylated nonylphenol containing 9 mols of ethylene oxide per mol of nonylphenol, manufactured by Diamond Shamrock Chemical Co., Morristown, NJ. As in the case with the cationic emulsifiers, the particular surface active agent chosen and the amount used may depend in part on the nature of the soil to be impermeabilized. However. it has been found that good results are obtained if the total amount of the surface active agent is from approximately 0.1 to 1.5 percent by weight of theemulsion.

It has also been found that improved results are obtained if the composition contains, in addition to the bituminous emulsion, the cationic emulsifiers and nonionic surface active agent, an emulsified elastomeric solid such as latex in an amount of from 1 to 10 percent by weight of the, emulsion. The rubber solids may have a particle size of less than about 10 microns, and are kept in emulsion by the same active components as are useful for emulsifying the bitumen. Among the commerically available rubbers which may be used to advantage in the present invention are PLlOPAVE L l65-K and NEOPRENE 950. PLlOPAVE L l65-K is the trademark of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and identifies their cationic styrene butadiene rubber latex comprising 60 percent rubber solids. NEO- PRENE 950 is the trademark of the duPont Company and identities their cationic chloroprene rubber latex comprising 50 percent solids.

The seal obtained where the compositions contain rubber solids is tougher and more flexible than where the rubber solids are not used. Inclusion of the rubber solids is recommended in areas where earth tremors or shifts in the strata are anticipated and the flexibility of the sealant mass is more important. It has been found that if less than 1 percent by weight of rubber solids are used, the advantages in the overall composition are not realized and where more than l0 percent rubber solids are used, no substantial additional advantages are achieved.

In addition to the afnredcscribed components of the composition, an acid, preferably an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid may be included. The amount of the acid used should correspond Y to that required to achieve a pH of the overall composition of from 3 to 7 or slightly less than 7 in order to establish an acidity which will insure the reactivity of the bitumen particles with the surface of the soil or sand particles which have a negatively charged characteristic. Typically the acid is used in from 0.1 to 1.0 percent of the emulsion. It has been found that best results are obtained if the pH is controlled in the range from 5 to 7.

Other modifying agents may'be added to the composition to stabilize the emulsion for storage or transport. As is known, for example, minor proportions of an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt such as calcium chloride or sodium chloride may be added to lengthen the life of the emulsion. Typically these components are added in from 0.01 percent to L0 percentby weight of the emulsion.

The bituminous materials that may be used to form the emulsions are well known in the' art. They may be selected, broadly, from water-insoluble, waterdispersible, organic thermoplastic bituminous substances that are normally solid, semi-solid or viscous liquids at ordinary atmospheric temperatures. Examples of these materials are petroleum and native asphalts, pyrogenous residues, such as blown petroleum asphalts, sludge asphalts, pressure tars and pitches. Of these materials, petroleum asphalt is most commonly used and it may be produced to the desired physical properties of softening point (Ball & Ring) from F. to 200fF'. and penetration from 4 dmm to 205 dmm (at 77F.) by steam refining, by air-blowing, by solvent extraction methods, or by a combination of such methods.

Methods for forming stable emulsions of the bituminous substance in water are well known in the art. Typically, emulsions are prepared in concentrated form and contain about 65 percent solids. Theemulsion of the present invention may be prepared by conventional methods as for example by first forming a solution of water, basic emulsifier, emulsification aid, acid and any other additives, together with rubber solids if any at about 120F. This solution and molten asphalt at about 280F. are then pumped simultaneously from separate vessels into a Charlotte Colloid Millor other high shear pressurized mill wherein the asphalt is subjected to high shear forces and is broken up into small particles. The particle sizes in the finished emulsions may be broadly from 1 to 50 microns, but best results are obtained where 90 percent or more of the particles are less than 10 microns. Methods for forming the emulsions are extensively described in the art.

Although emulsions are typically prepared in more concentrated form, it has been found that good penetration of the surface material is obtained only where the solid content of the emulsion is in the range of 25 to 50 percent. The preferred solids concentration is 30 to 40 percent by weight.

The composition is applied to the walls and bed of water containment structures such as reservoirs, streams, ponds, irrigation ditches, canals and the like.

The composition is preferably but not necessarily ap plied to the surface by spraying with a pole gun connected to a' pump. The compositions may be applied to the surface soil in from 4 to 40 gallons per square feet of surface. Desirably the spray is applied in from 10 to 20 gallons per I00 square feet of surface.

It has been found that particularly good results are obtained if the ground surface is first wet with water or preferably with a solution of nonionic surfactant in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 percent by weight of solution. Wet- Asphalt-Binder B Shell Oil Co.

100-120 Penetration at 77F. Soft Point R&B. lOR-l 18F.

Ductility at 77F. at cm/min. 100 cm (minimum) Neoprene Latex 950 (5071) Pliolite Latex I60 (49%) Ucar Latex 893 (50%) Rhoplex Latex HA-lZ (45%) ting the ground surface with water or surfactant solu- 5 4 v tion compacts the soil particles closer to one another T N lkllr'mcthllcne d'dmme Armour and prepares it advantageously for the asphalt emul- Arquad s-50 N alkyl quaternary sion. If a minor amount of the nonionic surface active mmomum comlmund agent is included in the water solution, the particles of Pliopave |s5. Cationic styrenmbutadicr e rubber sand or rock are more effectively wetted and this per- 50 (607 Goodyear mus the Subsfiqufint emulsion w1ck mto the Neoprene 950 Cationic Chloroprene rubber latex ground so that a deeper penetration is obtained. Pene- (50% 50mm duPom trations of as much as l to 4 inches have been obtained 7 with treatments following this technique. Depending on H e compositions were applied to the Surface of a h the be waterproofedfllt m be sandy soil retained in 1 foot square plastic boxes. Each Slrabie to mclude a amount of 9 m the test box contained a 4 inch depth of test sand supported wetting step to further activate the negative surfaces of Over a 1 inch layer of 1 inch stones which were Sepa the siliceous ground material. Although not eritical, t rated from the Sand by a 12 mesh Screen A 2 inch has found ff f results are cfbtamed F square hole was cut in the bottom of the box to allow to be tmpermeabilized 1s first wet with approximately for whom and the boxes were suspended above the 50 to 100 gallons of Water or 501mm Per 100 square floor so that the holes in their bottoms would not be ocfiet eluded. The time of water retention for the boxes The invention is further described in the following treated with the Composition was compared with the examplestime of water retention in a control box of untreated EXAMPLE I sand. The time of water retention in the control box was approximately 2 to 3 minutes whereas the sand in The degree to Whlch the composltlons of thls the boxes treated with compositions ranged from 90 to tron reduce the rate of water loss from sandy soils was 1 1520 minutes Th results are expressed b h i determined in a series of tests using different composiwater t ti ti d in terms of percentage water trons. The compositions were prepared by pre g loss reduction. The latter figures are the more meaningthe emulsifiers and other adjuvants in water at approxiful ones since it is the parameter adopted by governmately 120F. and pumping the solution together with mental agencies to determine the effectiveness of immolten asphalt at 280F. to a colloid mill for emulsifieapermeabilizing treatments. tion. The components of the compositions are identi- The results achieved with a variety of compositions fied below. are set forth below in Table I.

TABLE I COMPOUND Control A A-l Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 Water 2800 2800 Duomeen T 16 32 Arquad S- *HCL s 8 CaCl; 4 4 Neoprene Latex 950 (50%) Pliolitc Latex I (497:) Ucar Latex 893 (50%) Rhoplex Latex HA-l2 (457:) Pliolite Latex 5352 (68%) Hycar Latex 1562 X l03 (4V7!) Pliopave Latex Ll6S-K (63%) Emulsification Good Good Smoothness Fairly Smooth Smooth Particles Slight None Grit Settlement None None Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt '71 65% 65% Penetration 0.5" 1.0-2.0" Time of H20 Retention (Min.) for 1 Gal. 2% 600 2400 Percolation Rate Gals/Min. .3636 .00166 .00042 7r Water Loss Reduction 99.45 99.89

COMPOUND A-l' B C Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 5200 Water 5500 2800 l0800 Duomeen T 32 16 8 Arquad S-50 I6 40 *HCL 8 8 8 CaCLt 4 4 4 9 TABLE I Continued- COMPOUND B C Pliolite Latex 5352 (68%) Hycar Latex I562 X I03 (41%) Pliopave Latex LI65-K (63%) Emulsification Good Good Good Smoothness Smooth Very Very Smooth Smooth Particles None None None Settlement None None None Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt 71) 48.75% 65% 32.5% Penetration 0.5l.5" 0.5" I Time of H Retention (Min.) for I Gal. ll520+ 90 I32 Percolation Rate Gals/Min. .000086 .Ol l I0 .0075? Water Loss Reduction 99.97 97.00 97.79

COMPOUND B H-I H-I' Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 5200 Water l0800 2400 10800 Duomeen T I6 I6 16 Arquad S-50 l6 *HCL 8 8 8 CaCl: 4 4 4 Neoprene Latex 950 (50%) 800 800 Pliolite Latex I60 (49%) Uear Latex 893 (50%) Rhoplex Latex HA-IZ Pliolite Latex 5352 (68%) Hycar Latex I562 X I03 (41%) Pliopave Latex LI65-K (63%) Emulsit'ieation Good 7 Good Good Smoothness Very Fairly Fairly Smooth Smooth Smooth Particles None Slight Slight Grit Grit Settlement None None None Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt 71) 32.5% 65% 3I% Penetration l" 0.5" 0.5" Time of H 0 Retention (Min.) for l Gallv 90 260 I Percolation Rate Gals/Min. .0I I I0 .00384 .00666 7: Water Loss Reduction 97.00 98.95 98.07

COMPOUND H-lu H-lb H-2 Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 5200 Water 2560 2560 2384 Duomeen T 32 32 I6 Arquad S-50 l6 *HCL 8 8 8 cacl 4 4 4 Neoprene Latex 950 (50%) 480 480 Pliolite Latex I (49%) 8l6 Ucar Latex 893 (50%) Rhoplex Latex PIA-l2 (45%) Pliolite Latex 5352 (68%) Hycar Latex 1562 I03 (4l7r) Pliopave Latex Ll--K (63%) Emulsification Good Good N.G. Smoothness Smooth Smooth Particles None None Settlement None None Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt Penetration Time of H 0 Retention (Min.) for l Gal. Percolation Rate Gals/Min. 7r Water Loss Reduction COMPOUND H-3 H-4 H-4a Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 5200 Water 2400 23l2 25I8 Duomeen T 24 I6 24 Arquad S-50 I6 *HCL 8 8 8 CaCl; 4 4 4 Neoprene Latex 950 (50%) Pliolite Latex I60 (49%) Ucar Latex 893 (50%) 800 Rhoplex Latex HA-l2 (45%) 888 533 Pliollte Latex 5352 (68%) Hycar Latex I562 X I03 (4l%) Pliopave Latex Ll65-K (63%) Emulsification Poor N.G. N.G.

Smoothness Particles Settlement TABLE l-Contmued COMPOUND H-3 1+4 H-4u Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt 71) Penetration Time of H Retention (Min.) for l Galv Percolation Rate Gals/Min. '7: Water Loss Reduction COMPOUND H5 H-6 H-7 Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 5200 Water 2614 2224 2560 Duomeen T l6 I6 24 Arquad 5-50 "HCL 8 8 8 CaCl, 4 4 4 Neoprene Latex 950 (50%) Pliolite Latex I60 (49%) Ucar Latex 893 (50%) Rhoplex Latex HA-l2 Pliolite Latex 5352 (68%) 584 Hycar Latex I562 X l03 (4l%) 976 Pliopave Latex Ll65-K (63%) 640 Emulsification N G- N11 @0011 Smoothness Particles some Grit Settlement Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt 62% Penetration Time of H 0 Retention (Min.) for 1 Gal I320 Percolation Rate Gals/Min. .00075 Water Loss Reduction 99472 COMPOUND H-8 H-9 H-l0 Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 5200 Water 2320 2560 2652 Duomeen T 24 l6 l6 Arquad 5-50 l6 l6 l6 HCL 8 8 8 CaCl: 4 4 4 Neoprene Latex 950 480 Pliolite Latex l (49%) Ucar Latex 893 (50%) Rhoplcx Latex HA-l2 (45%) Pliolite Latex 5352 (68%) Hycar Latex 1562 X 103 (41%) Pliopave Latex Ll-K (63%) 1280 384 Emulsifieation Poor Good Good Smoothness Smooth Smooth Particles None None Settlement None None Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt 63% 63% Penetration 0.5-1.0" 0.5" Time of H 0 Retention (Min.) for l.Gal. 600 H520 Percolation Rate Gals/Min. .00l66 .000086 Water Loss Reduction 99.45 99.97

COMPOUND H-9 H-lO' Asphalt (Binder B) 5200 5200 Water 5400 5500 Duomeen T l6 l6 Arquad 5-50 l6 l6 "HCL 8 8 CaCl, 4 4 Neoprene Latex 950 (50%) 480 Pliolite Latex I60 (49%) Ucar Latex 893 (50%) Phoplex Latex HA-lZ (45%) Pliolite Latex 5352 (68%) Hyear Latex i562 X 103 (4l7r) Pliopave Latex Ll65-K (63%) 384 Emulsit'ieation Good Good Smoothness Smooth Smooth Particles None None Settlement None None Concentration of Bituminous Solids (wgt 71) 47% 47% Penetration 0.5-0.75" 0.75-1.50" Time of H 0 Retention (Min.) 7 for l Gal. I320 2880 Percolation Rate Gals/Min. .00075 .00034 7r Water Loss Reduction 99.72 99.89

EXAMPLE 11 Example:

Component A 71 by weight Asphalt (Binder B) 64.58 Water 34.80 Duomeen T .29 Arquad -50 .19 HCl .095 CaCl .045 100.00

' The rubber emulsion had the following composition:

Component B '71 by weight Pliopave l65-K Latex (Solids) 6.56 Water (including H O from Latex 92.60 Duomeen T .40 Arquad 5-50 .26 HCl .1 l CaCl: .07 100.00

The mixed composition had the following total concentration of the several constitutents:

Mixed Composition '7: by weight Asphalt (Binder B) 195 48.57 Pliopave l65-K (solids) 6.56 1.63 Water 197.60 49.10 Duomeen T 1.30 .32 Arquad 8-50 .86 .21 HCl .41 .12 CaCl .22 .05

The mixed composition was applied to the dry base and side surfaces of an empty pond having a surface area of approximately 15,000 square feet. The composition was applied in approximately 8 gallons per 100 square feet of .ground surface area. The soil particles were substantially impermeabilized although the penetration of the material was less than 1 /2 inch. After the materials had set, water was impounded in the pond during a 48 hour period and water loss tests were conducted. lnventory data was taken to determine the degree of water loss reduction. It was found that approximately 85 to 86 percent water loss reduction was achieved.

After the water loss reduction tests were terminated, the pond was drained. it was found that the surfaces of the bed and sides were covered with a continuous, non tacky layer of asphaltic material, which was firm and resilient. The vertical sidewalls shows no signs of sliding or cracking and rocks and boulders were bound into the mass as well as the smaller particles. Examination of the pond surfaces showed that although the penetrations in some places were only one half inch, it was possible to walk upon the impermeabilized area without disturbing the surface or damaging it.

After a 3 month period the pond was drained and a second application of compositions (as described below) was made to thesurface which'had accumulated a coatingof loose sand'durin'g the service period.

The first part of this second application consisted of spraying the following composition at a rate of 3.3 gallons per hundred square feet:

7r by weight Pliopave 165-K Latex (solids) 6.56 Water (including water from latex 91.60 Duomeen T .40 Arquad 8-50 .26 HCl .1 l CuCl: .07 Nopcowet l60 1.00

The second part of this second application consisted of spraying the following-composition at a rate of 2.4 gallons per hundred square feet:

% by weight Asphalt (Binder) 48.57 Pliopave l65-K (solids) 1.63 Water (including water from latex) 47.60 Duomeen T 0.32 Arquad S-50 0.21 HC=l 0.12 CaCl 0.05 Nopcowet 1.50

After cure the pond was filled with water and the water loss was measured over a period of time and it was found that the composition had reduced the water loss by 98.8 percent.

EXAMPLE in An application of a composition, by a method of this invention was conducted in a second natural location in'Pauma Valley, Calif. A pond site was cleared having dimensions of approximately30 feet by 40 feet by 6 feet deep at the center (approximately 13,000 gallons capacity). The surfaces of the bed and the sides of the pond site were treated first with a solution of latex binder having the following composition:

I %'by weight Pliopave l65-K Latex (solids) 6.56 Water (including H O from'Latex) 91.60 Duomeen T .40 Arquad 8-50 .26 HCl .1 1 CaCl; .07 Nopcowet 160 1.00

The solution was applied at the rate of approximately 1 gallon per hundred square feet of surfaceThereafter the surfaces were treated with an emulsion sealer having the following composition:

The solution was applied at the rate of approximately 3.3 gallons per hundred square feet of surface. Penetration of the virgin soil by both the latex solution and the final emulsion sealer was excellent. The latex solution was applied in approximately 1 gallon per hundred square feet of surface and the emulsion sealer in approximately 3.3 gallons per hundred square feet of surface. The sealing of approximately 2,300 square feet of surface area was completed in 90 minutes.

After cure. this pond was filled with water and the water loss was measured over a period of time and it was found that the treatment had reduced the water loss by 96.6 percent.

EXAMPLE IV Tests were carried out to determine the efficacy of including minor amounts of variousnon-ionic surfactants in the compositions to improve soil penetration and decrease soak-in time.

An emulsion having the mixed composition described in Example ll and having in addition, 0.5 percent of surfactant, was used in concentrated form (52 percent asphalt solids) and in dilute form (26 percent asphalt solids), 50 ml. of each emulsion was applied to a 4 sq. in. X /6 inch deep area (confined in an aluminum form) set on the surface of the sand in an 8 inch X 8 inch X 1 /2 inch deep disposable aluminum baking pan.

Soak-in time and penetration data were recorded as set forth in the following Table ll. It can be seen that best results are obtained with Nopcowet 160, an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, Hyonic PE-90, a polyethoxylated nonylphenol, Triton CF10, a benzylether of octylphenol-ethylene oxide adduct or Tergitol TMN or l5- 5-7, a linear alcohol.

TABLE II 7( Solids Emulsion (by weight) Surfactant Control 52 None Control 26 None I 52 Hyonic PE90 (polyethoxylated Nonylphcnol) 26 do 52 Lomar D (polymerized Naphthalene Sulfonatel 2' 26 do. 3 52 Lomar PW Sodium Neutralizcd (Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid) 3 26 do. 4 52 Nopcowet l60 (alkyl aryl polyether alcohol) 4' 26 do. 5 52 Nopcowet 1529 5 26 do. 6 52 Tergitol TMN (Trimethyl Nonanol) 6' 26 do. 7 52 Tergitol |5-S-7 (Linear Alcohol) 7' 26 Tcrgitol -5-7 (Linear Alcohol) 8 52 Silicone Y-4l86 (Silicone) 8' 26 do. 9 52 Triton CF40 (Benzylether of octylphenolethylcne oxide) 9' 26 do. I0 52 Triton X-ltlt) (Octyl phenoxy ethanol) 1 26 do. I l 52 Triton X-l l4 (octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol) l l 26 do 2 52 Triton X400 TAB LE 11 Continued soak ln Time Depth of Emulsion (If Rapid) Penetration Control None Control 60 min. W l 180 min. Mi" 1 360 min. W 2 None 2 None 3 None 3' None 4 I min. V4" 4 8 min. I"

5 None 5' 60 min. %"-l" 6 None 6 5 min. %"l%" 7 None 7 360 min. %''l%" 8 None 8' 360 min. %"-I 9 None 9' 360 min. Va" 10 one it) 360 min. AW-W l l None N 32 min /;"l78" l2 None 12' 360 min. Va"%" What is claimed is: 1. A process for reducing the loss of water by seepage through permeable ground surface of water containment bodies such as reservoirs, ponds, canals and the like, comprising the step of penetrating a surface layer of said containment body with a composition comprismg:

a. a 25 to 50 percent by weight aqueous, cationic emulsion of a petroleum asphalt having a softening point of F. to 200F. and a penetration at 77F. of from 4 dmm to 205 dmm, 90 percent of the particles of asphalt being less than about 10 microns in size; b. a mixture of at least two cationic emulsifiers in from 0.3 to 1.2 percent by weight of said emulsion, said emulsifiers including 1. a basic emulsifier selected from the group consisting of N-alkyl polyethylene diamines of .the formula RNH(CH ),,.NH where w is an integer of from 2 to 4 and R represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon containing from eight to 22 carbon atoms; and

2'. an emulsification aid-break suppressant selected from the group consisting of alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula phenol), benzyl ethers of octyl phenol and linear organic alcohols; d. from 1 to 10 percent by weight of said emulsion of an elastomeric material; and

e. an acid in sufficient quantity to set the pH of said composition at from 3 to 7, and thereby forming a tough. flexible water-impervious mass in combination with the materials in the said surface layer.

2. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein the surface layer of said water containment body is first wetted with water to activate the surfaces of the materials therein and then penetrated with said composition.

3. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein the surface layer of said water containment body is first wetted with water containing said non-ionic surface active agent in an amount sufficient to wet the surfaces of the gallons per lOOsquare feet. 

2. an emulsification aid-break suppressant selected from the group consisting of alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula
 2. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein the surface layer oF said water containment body is first wetted with water to activate the surfaces of the materials therein and then penetrated with said composition.
 3. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein the surface layer of said water containment body is first wetted with water containing said non-ionic surface active agent in an amount sufficient to wet the surfaces of the particles in said surface layer and then penetrated with said composition.
 4. A process as recited in claim 3 wherein the solution used to pre-wet said surface layer contains from 1 percent to 10 percent by weight of an emulsion of said elastomeric material.
 5. A process as recited in claim 4 wherein said surface layer is first wetted with from 50 to 150 gallons of solution per 100 square feet of surface.
 6. A process as recited in claim 1 wherein said composition is applied to the surface layer in from 4 to 40 gallons per 100 square feet. 